Look out for these 6 Waterfalls near Asheville, NC

The area around Asheville, NC, is full of wonderful waterfalls. We saw many, but the next six were the most memorable. They are organized by location, all about an hour from downtown Asheville. We recommend making a day of each area and have also listed some suggested stops for drinks, different hikes, or food.

Pisgah National Forest

Less than an hour from Asheville is the entrance to Pisgah National Forest. Driving through the dense trees, following the stream through the lush woods, you will feel transported to the forest setting of a fairy tale. The sun only just peeks through the dewy leaves, and it is easy to forget all cares in the world on this curvey road.

Because of its proximity to populated areas, the waterfalls along the main road can become crowded at times. A weekday would be best to visit but know many families will be sharing the water with you as the kiddos relax in the chilly waters. We found that a rainy afternoon was the best time to visit. As we entered the forest, the rain picked up, and so did the number of cars leaving. It meant we were able to find parking near the overview and trailhead.

It’s a good idea to download a map if headed here. As you enter the forest, signals drop almost immediately. We love Maps.me, but Google Maps also has an option to download. On the way back out, be sure to check out Sideways Farm and Brewery. We loved the spiked kombucha and cute goats!

Looking Glass Falls

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As the pouring rain turned to a drizzle, and we were able to find parking right next to the overview of Looking Glass Falls- people sometimes park in very hazardous locations just to go here! The falls are a short staircase from the road, and once there, we could see why it is so popular. Not only is it gorgeous, but there is a beautiful pool to wade around in to cool off on a hot day. It was pretty cold when we were there (can you tell by Erica’s face?).

Moore Cove Falls

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A tad further into the forest is the trailhead to Moore Cove Falls. Again, parking was easy, and so was the 3/4 mile muddy hike. This waterfall was Andrew’s favorite of our whole time in N.C, loving the way it falls over the edge of the cliff. We spent a while behind the waterfall, inching in and out of the crisp water.

DuPont State Forest

About an hour from downtown Asheville, in Hendersonville, NC, is DuPont State Forest. There are many waterfalls and tons of trails in this park. Many folks bike through the wide paths, but an easy 3.5-mile walk brought us to the following three falls, each with different features.

Parking was quite crowded at the Triple Falls Parking lot. We recommended getting an early start, even on a weekday. If it weren’t for afternoon summer storms, it would be easy to spend a whole day waterfall hopping and swimming in the streams.

After a busy morning, we recommended visiting nearby Hubba Hubba Smokehouse for friendly service and delicious meats! There were some pretty cool chickens to hang out with too.

Triple Falls

From the parking area, cross a bridge, and follow the beaten path along Little River to Triple Falls. Along the way, it’s fun to rock hop in the river. Just be sure to wear shoes you trust. There is a great lookout to see all three cascades from the main trail, but if you are a bit more adventurous, head down to the base to feel the spray of the lowest three. Another spur trail with a ton of stairs takes you to the middle of the falls. This group of falls is quite impressive and an excellent first stop, not far from the parking lot.

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High Falls

After visiting Triple falls, stay along the trail, going counterclockwise along the loop. Along this trail are tons of wild blackberries! Grab a handful as a snack before continuing to another spur to the Covered Bridge for a quick photo opp. Finally, head back to the High Falls trail to take in the view from afar. If you are up for a rock scramble, take River Bend Trail to the base of High Falls. There is some space here to wade in the river or get drenched standing under the strong spray of the cascading water.

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Hooker Falls

Next, head back toward the parking lot and then down the trail to Hooker Falls. We saved this one for last, as it has the best area to swim. We were here when the water levels were low enough to crawl behind the falls and slide under and out. It was a great adrenaline rush! The river below the falls is the proper depth to swim, float or wade in the sunshine. We enjoyed ourselves too much here to properly document it.

Blue Ridge Parkway

There are plenty of amazing hikes and views that will leave you in awe along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Driving the winding road through tunnels in the Appalachian mountains is incredible in itself, making the hour drive from Asheville absolutely worth it.

Skinny Dip Falls can get a bit crowded, so as usual, get to this trailhead early in the day. Then you can spend the rest of the day checking out the overlooks on the Blue Ridge Parkway, Frying Pan Mountain Tower, or head back through Pisgah National Forest and check out Sliding Rock and then Oskar Blues Brewery.

Skinny Dip Falls

From the parking area on the Blue Ridge Parkway, follow the half-mile hike to Skinny Dip Falls. Along the way, check out the Native American trail trees, trees that were bent as saplings to mark a route. After crossing a bridge, the falls create small pools of crisp mountain water. We found one after a bit of a climb that we had all to ourselves. It was pretty cold but enjoyable all the same. At the main cascade is a rock to jump off of, which Andrew thoroughly enjoyed. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, Skinny Dip Falls is a can’t miss stop.

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